Arkansans React To News Of Broyles’ Death

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ARKANSAS (KFSM) -- After the news of the death of former Razorback football head coach Frank Broyles was released, several Arkansans around the state shared their grief.

Broyles passed away at the age of 92 following complications from Alzheimer's disease.

Jeff Long, University of Arkansas athletic director, said the state lost one of its most beloved figures.

“The Razorback Family has lost its patriarch and Arkansas has lost one of its most beloved figures. Coach Frank Broyles was a legendary coach, athletics director, broadcaster and a tireless advocate for those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s. In his more than 50 years of service to the University of Arkansas and intercollegiate athletics, his vision and leadership allowed the Razorback program to flourish and in turn enrich the lives of thousands of young men. In the process, he brought unprecedented national attention to Arkansas. His passion for the Razorbacks was infectious, his spirit was indomitable and his vision helped transform a program, a university and an entire state. His legacy in our state is unmatched.

“I will forever be grateful for the generosity, graciousness and unwavering support he extended to me when I came to the University of Arkansas. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Razorback nation are with his wife Gen, his children and the entire Broyles Family.”

Governor Asa Hutchinson issued this statement on the passing of Broyles:

“This is a day we knew would come, but it is still a great loss to learn of the passing of Coach Broyles. My first memory of Frank was cheering on the Hogs with my dad, but that was just part of his great legacy. He was an Arkansas treasure who devoted his life to others—from student-athletes to his support of Alzheimer’s research. He was an example for young people to follow, and that alone reflects a life well lived.”

Sen. John Boozman released the following statement:

“Outside of family, the people who had the greatest influences on my life were my coaches and teachers. Perhaps none more so than Frank Broyles.

Coach Broyles was larger than life, always doing what he thought was best for the University of Arkansas. As a coach and longtime athletic director for the university, his devotion to the school, and the young men and women who attended it, helped put young Arkansans on a path to success while turning the University of Arkansas into a sports powerhouse. In his later years, his passionate advocacy on behalf of those suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease raised awareness for the devastating impact it has on those affected and their caregivers, as well as funding for research.

I will be forever proud to be a Razorback and to have had the opportunity to be one under Coach Broyles.

Coach Broyles was fond of saying there are two types of people in this world: givers and takers. Live your life as a giver, not a taker. We lost a giver today, but we are so much better for what he gave us.”

Sen. Tom Cotton also shared his sadness, releasing the following statement:

“Today, college football lost one of the greats. Few people could match Frank Broyles’s dedication to the University of Arkansas: 57 years of devoted, distinguished service. In that time, he not only led teams to multiple Southwest Conference titles and a national championship; he also built an athletic department that was the envy of the South. Everyone involved in Arkansas athletics today owes him a huge debt of gratitude. I join Razorback fans in extending my deepest condolences to the Broyles family and the University of Arkansas.”

Rep. Steve Womack tweeted the following statement:

Today we mourn the passing of Frank Broyles, a football legend and a dear friend. Please join Razorback Nation in praying for his family. pic.twitter.com/JTWqexrH3i

Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin released the following statement mourning the loss of Broyles:

"Arkansas lost a legend today, and my thoughts and prayers are with the Broyles family during this difficult time. I first met Coach Broyles in 2005 when he was raising money for Alzheimer's research, and over the years I had the honor of spending some limited but meaningful time with him. He was the consummate gentleman and kind. Coach Broyles was a visionary, a leader, a champion, and a tireless fighter for Alzheimer's research. His imprint on Arkansas is deep, wide, and indelible."

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge on the death of Broyles:

"As a University of Arkansas alumnus, I understand fully the tremendous impact Coach Frank Broyles had on Razorback athletics and our state. The legacy he leaves behind, his devotion to Razorback fans everywhere and the countless lives of young men and women he touched along the way are things that make us all proud. Heaven will have no louder cheerleader for the Razorbacks than Coach Broyles. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family and the University of Arkansas community. WPS!"

"We lost a great one today in Coach Broyles. The impact he had on Razorback athletics and the men's basketball program will be felt for generations to come. His passion for this university was unmatched and his legacy will live on forever."

Greg Sankey, commissioner of the Southeastern Conference said:

"Frank Broyles made a lifelong impact on thousands of Arkansas student-athletics and millions of fans and alumni, all who knew him as coach Broyles, while positively altering the course of the University of Arkansas and the entire state of Arkansas. He fostered a unique loyalty to Arkansas athletics and promoted the Razorback brand nationwide. As the Razorbacks athletic director, he played a significant role in the history of the Southeastern Conference when he guided the transition of Arkansas into the SEC. He was a man of significant accomplishment who charted the course of a preeminent college athletics program for more than five decades and his legacy will continue to impact the University of Arkansas, the SEC and all of college athletics for many years to come."

The Broyles Award, an award for the most outstanding assistant football coach tweeted the following:

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Coach Broyles. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Broyles family in this most difficult time. pic.twitter.com/Njo6bFLoUp